There’s nothing quite like the allure of Chicken Manicotti Alfredo, with its creamy, dreamy sauce enveloping tender pasta and juicy chicken. Picture this dish bubbling away in your oven, sending wafts of garlicky goodness that make you feel like a culinary superhero.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of Sunday dinners where we’d gather around the table and indulge in rich comfort food. Chicken Manicotti Alfredo was always the star of the show, creating laughter and fond memories with every cheesy bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip it up even on busy weeknights
- With its rich flavors, this dish is sure to impress at dinner parties
- The visual appeal makes it a showstopper on any table setting
- It’s versatile enough to be paired with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal
I remember one Sunday when my cousin tried to impress everyone by making his version but ended up creating a cheesy volcano instead! The laughter that followed was priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Manicotti Shells: Look for sturdy shells that can hold all that creamy filling without breaking.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust based on your crowd’s appetite.
Fresh Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture that melts beautifully.
Alfredo Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade; just ensure it’s rich and creamy.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This will melt into gooey perfection on top; don’t skimp!
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; garlic brings everything together.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds an unbeatable depth of flavor; no powdered stuff here.
Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): These add freshness and vibrancy to your dish—go for the good stuff!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Manicotti Alfredo
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully and lay them out on a towel to cool down slightly while you prepare the filling.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute. Add diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, which takes about 6-8 minutes.
In a bowl, mix together cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. Stir until well combined; this mixture will fill those cozy shells perfectly.
Fill each manicotti shell generously with the chicken mixture using a piping bag or spoon. Arrange filled shells in your prepared baking dish side by side like they are waiting for their grand entrance.
Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the stuffed manicotti, ensuring every nook is covered—no one likes dry pasta! Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and allow to bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top—a sight that will make anyone weak at the knees!
Let it cool slightly before serving—you don’t want anyone burned by molten cheese! Garnish with fresh herbs for color and serve warm alongside garlic bread or a simple salad.
Enjoy your Chicken Manicotti Alfredo surrounded by friends or family as laughter fills the air—the perfect recipe for creating cherished memories!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chicken Manicotti Alfredo recipe combines creamy sauce and tender chicken for a comforting dish
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly
- The rich aroma will fill your kitchen, making you feel like a culinary genius
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, cook the chicken first, then prepare the pasta while you make the Alfredo sauce. This way, everything finishes cooking at the same time, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients for personalization; try spinach or mushrooms in your manicotti. Adding fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile and make this dish uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Manicotti Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring it retains its creamy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Chicken Manicotti Alfredo, ensure your pasta is al dente to hold up during baking
- Always taste your sauce before mixing to adjust seasoning as needed
- Don’t rush; let flavors meld for that deliciously creamy experience
Cooking this Chicken Manicotti Alfredo reminds me of family gatherings where laughter mingled with cheesy goodness, leaving everyone eagerly asking for seconds.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought sauce saves time but homemade is creamier and tastier.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute chicken with sautéed vegetables or ricotta for a veggie option.
What can I serve with Chicken Manicotti Alfredo?
A fresh salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this rich dish for balance.
Chicken Manicotti Alfredo
Chicken Manicotti Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and rich Alfredo sauce. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Each cheesy bite brings back memories of warmth and laughter, making it a beloved favorite at any dinner table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti shells
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook manicotti shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix cooked chicken, ricotta, half the mozzarella, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Fill each manicotti with the mixture using a piping bag or spoon. Arrange in the baking dish.
- Pour Alfredo sauce over filled shells and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider including sautéed spinach or mushrooms in the filling. - Ensure pasta is al dente for best results during baking. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently.
